Declining since 1985, #1,002 for boys today.
Popularity of Howard since 1880
Babies named Howard per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Howard's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 4,349 |
| 1890s | 5,949 |
| 1900s | 8,014 |
| 1910s | 46,596 |
| 1920s | 70,348 |
| 1930s | 51,495 |
| 1940s | 53,530 |
| 1950s | 47,852 |
| 1960s | 28,703 |
| 1970s | 12,980 |
| 1980s | 7,052 |
| 1990s | 3,915 |
| 2000s | 2,477 |
| 2010s | 2,111 |
| 2020s | 1,295 |
Meaning & origin
Howard is a longstanding English and Scandinavian name with deep historical roots. It reached its peak popularity in 1912, when it was a common choice for boys. By 2025, it stands at rank 1,002, given to roughly 1 in 7,558 baby boys. The name has experienced a notable decline, having fallen consistently since 1985. Despite this drop, it retains a classic, sturdy quality that may appeal to parents seeking a traditional name. Its historical usage is strongest in the upper Midwest: Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa are among the top states where Howard has been recorded. First appearing in the Social Security data in 1880, Howard has been a steady presence for well over a century, reflecting its enduring if now less frequent use.
Howard derives from the Old Norse personal name Hávarðr, composed of the elements há 'high' and varðr 'guardian'. It was introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age and later reinforced by the Normans, possibly through related Germanic forms. The name was borne by a prominent English noble family, the Howards, Dukes of Norfolk, which helped ensure its use as a given name from the Middle Ages onward. It became especially common in the 19th and 20th centuries, often associated with respectability and tradition.
Where Howard is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Howard” around the world
Where Howard lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Howie, Ward
Sibling names for Howard
Names that share Howard's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Harriet, Gertrude, Clara, Mabel, Edith, Marion, Shirley, Ardith, Lorene, Charlsie, Corene, Corliss, Dorine, Majorie, Phylis, Desma, Dorma, Geraldene, Margorie, Rosellen, Ruther, Shirlyn, Wynell, Cherylyn, Gwendola, Joyice, Joylene, Merrit, Modell, Roxine, Wandalee, Estalene, Alleyne, Forrestine, Gearldene, Hazelene, Lorrinda, Lounell
Brothers: Harold, Walter, Clarence, Eugene, Ernest, Alan, Clifford, Leonard, Ralph, Ellsworth, Ernie, Gilford, Jerrold, Sheldon, Steward, Thurman, Walt, Winford, Curtiss, Denton, Derald, Dorman, Durward, Garold, Gearld, Hayward, Heyward, Loring, Ballard, Barnie, Garald, Glendale, Glenford, Grafton, Jarold, Lanier, Leanard, Lindbergh, Lorence, Marshel, Plummer, Rochester, Vinton, Weyman, Benford, Burleigh, Freeland, Heywood, Lenward, Mansfield, Warden, Wilborn, Woodard, Colburn, Haward, Jerl, Cliffard, Cranford, Custer, Derward, Dewell, Landrum, Larance, Leaman, Merion, Montford, Normal, Raford, Rector, Welborn
Names like Howard
Names whose popularity has moved with Howard's over the last 50 years.
